When most people think about researching their family history, they imagine digging through census records, birth certificates, and old photographs. But there’s another valuable resource that is often overlooked — funeral programs and obituaries. These documents hold a wealth of information that can help piece together family trees, connect long-lost relatives, and preserve the legacy of African American families.
My Family History Journey: Building a Family Tree with Funeral Programs
So, remember when I wrote my blog, African American Genealogy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tracing Your African American Roots, to start with what you know? Family members who pass away are usually honored with a brief life biography.
Obituaries and funeral programs are more than just announcements of a loved one’s passing. They often include details that are difficult to find in other records, such as:
Birthplaces and birthdates – Sometimes, official birth records are lost or never created, especially for African Americans born in the early 1900s.
Nicknames and family stories – You may recognize a name from your research, but a nickname listed in an obituary can confirm a match.
Occupations – The family may highlight the occupation and place of employment of their loved one.
Colleges/Universities/Civic Associations - This section highlights the deceased’s educational background, professional affiliations, and community involvement, showcasing their lifelong contributions and connections.
Extended family connections – Many funeral programs list surviving relatives, including siblings, cousins, and in-laws, making it easier to track family lines.
Photographs – A funeral program may contain the only known picture of an ancestor.
When I began my journey into genealogy in 1997, I wrote down every family member that I could think of. I knew three of my four great-grandparents and a few of their siblings, so I had a lot of knowledge about my history when I started. Then, I discovered twenty-two funeral programs at my grandmother’s house. At first, they seemed like simple keepsakes, but as I read through them, I realized they held the key to my family’s past. With those twenty-two programs, I built the foundation of my family tree. Two years later, I found a box containing another sixty obituaries, further expanding my research. Today, I have a collection of funeral programs—now totaling over 600—each one helping to piece together my family's rich history.
Before the obituaries, my tree had 197 names; after I found them, I had 158 more. These obituaries and my detailed research have helped me create a family tree of 8,900 individuals, and I can accurately account for each as a family member and show we are all connected. Funeral programs are a treasure trove of information. I promise there are at least two people in your family collecting these valuable keepsakes. They can be the beginning of an amazing journey to discovering your lineage.
Recourses: Where to Find Funeral Programs
If you’re interested in using funeral programs for your own research, start by checking these sources:
Family Homes – Ask older relatives if they have saved funeral programs or obituary clippings.
Church Archives – Many African American churches keep records of past members, including funeral bulletins.
Genealogical Societies – Some societies collect local funeral programs and maintain obituary books for public use.
Libraries and Historical Societies – Local history sections often contain obituary collections and funeral records.
Funeral Homes – Some funeral homes maintain old records that can provide valuable details, and in recent years, they have posted obituaries on their web pages.
Preserving the Legacy
If you have funeral programs or obituaries in your possession, consider preserving them for future generations. Here are a few ways to do so:
Digitize them – Scan and save them to a secure drive or genealogical website.
Organize them by family line – Keep a binder or digital folder to track connections.
Share them with relatives – These documents can help family members learn about their roots.
Donate copies – Consider giving copies to local genealogy groups, libraries, or historical societies.
A Living History
Funeral programs and obituaries are not just records of the past; they are living documents that tell the story of a family’s journey. By collecting, preserving, and sharing them, you ensure that the history of African American families is honored and remembered. So, the next time you come across an obituary, don’t throw it away; it might just hold the missing piece of your family puzzle.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources to consider when looking for deceased relatives and ancestors. Most of them are paid web pages.
Genealogy Research:
1. Ancestry.com – Extensive genealogical records and resources.
2. FamilySearch.org – Free family history and ancestry research tools.
3. FindAGrave.com – Cemetery records and memorials.
African American Genealogy:
AfriGeneas - Specializes in African American genealogy and records.
National Museum of African American History & Culture – Resources on African American heritage.
BlackPast.org – A rich collection of African American history and genealogy sources.
Obituary & Funeral Program Archives:
Obituary Central – Obituary archives from newspapers and funeral homes.
ObitsArchive.com - Search millions of obituaries and death notices containing names of the deceased, family members, invaluable stories, and more.
Legacy.com – Online obituary and memorial platform.
USGenWeb Archives – Free genealogical resources, including obituaries.
By preserving funeral programs and obituaries, you’re not just saving paper; you’re keeping stories alive, honoring loved ones, and strengthening family connections for future generations. Embrace the journey of discovery and celebrate the rich legacy of those who came before you! 🌿✨
"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home." — Frederick Douglass
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